When building planning requested the use of natural slate for the roofing of Lansdowne House, a large contemporary property in Cambridge, CUPA PIZARRAS’ H12 slate, which is both cost-effective and met the required finish, proved the perfect product for the job.

Homeowners Tim and Moira Ewbank had looked into using Welsh slate for this sophisticated new-build in the grounds of their period farmhouse but were pleased to find, with the help of their team on the site, that CUPA H12 proved to be a more economical option, while still offering excellent quality.

When Dave Homer of KH Construction contacted AJW Distribution Cambridge, for some recommendations for the project, AJW did not hesitate to suggest CUPA PIZARRAS’ H12.

AJW commented: “CUPA PIZARRAS has a wide range of products to meet a variety of desired looks and finishes. We have worked with them on many projects and we knew that the roofer on the job would be happy to work with H12.”

A total of 8,000 CUPA H12 slates were used for the 300m2 roof of Lansdowne House, which was laid by Kieran McGinty of K. McGinty Roofing. Both Kieran and Dave were really pleased with the look of finished project, with Kieran noting that he had received a lot of compliments on the job. He remarked of the product: “I had used CUPA H12 a number of times before; it is a high quality slate for a good price. I like that the size and thickness of the product is consistent making it really nice and easy to work with.”

Dirk Visagie, director of Archangel Architects, Cambridge, explained that the choice of slate was key to the location of the property and its surrounding buildings: “With a neighbouring church and some existing period buildings on the land, it was essential that the property was in keeping with the environment. We were keen, however, for the overall look of the house to be consciously contemporary, using large windows to maximise light. The use of CUPA H12 helps to give the building a natural, yet sleek and contemporary finish.”

Extracted from one of CUPA PIZARRAS’ Spanish quarries, CUPA 12 is a high quality dark grey slate with a smooth finish. CUPA PIZARRAS’ H Selection slates have the same strength and durability as its other ranges but with slight variation in thickness and flatness. With a life span of more than one hundred years and very little maintenance required, natural slate is a durable, weatherproof product, un-matched by artificial alternatives.